McLaren cautious on testing form

[davewilson]

McLaren's chief operating officer Martin Whitmarsh says the team is not getting carried away by the impressive testing performance of its MP4-22, insisting it still has to improve the car in the remaining weeks of pre-season.


The Woking-based squad’s 2007 challenger has generally topped the times in dry weather conditions at both the year’s group tests so far and has proved reliable enough to carry out a series of long runs.


But while McLaren seems to have a slight edge over its rivals in testing thus far, Whitmarsh is adamant that development work is still needed ahead of the first race in Melbourne next month.


"The test this week in Jerez has provided some valuable data for the team to work on, with two  very productive days, which saw the  drivers complete significant  mileage on the two MP4-22s,” he said after the rain-hit final day at Jerez.


“Unfortunately the last day was hit by rain, which meant that we had to adapt our programme for the conditions.


“Nevertheless we have a much better understanding of where we are, and more importantly on what work needs to be done between now and Australia to ensure that we arrive in Melbourne in the best possible position.


“Although the timesheets seem to be favouring us we are fully aware of where we need to improve the cars’ performance during the forthcoming tests in Barcelona and Bahrain."


The team will continue its programme at Barcelona for three days from Monday, before it flies out to Bahrain later in the month for the first of two sessions alongside the majority of teams in the final big test ahead of the season-opener.

The Stig